Las Piñas strictly implements anti-hoarding, price increase amid COVID-19 crisis

Las Piñas City Mayor Imelda T. Aguilar warned suppliers, retailers and store owners against hoarding of consumer goods and overpricing as she directed a team to monitor the prices of basic commodities to protect the residents against profiteers and unscrupulous traders.

Aguilar instructed the Business Permits and Licensing Office of the city to mobilize its inspectors, with strict adherence to the health protocol in the discharge of their duties, to ensure that supermarkets, public markets and talipapa (wet market), as well as sari-sari (variety) stores in the communities obey the price freeze imposed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The basic goods covered by price control issued by DTI include rice, bread, salt, milk, instant noodles, canned sardines, coffee refill/3-in-1, laundry soap, and bottled water.

The price freeze of all prime commodities will be strictly enforced for the next 60 days or until May 15 following the declaration of a state of calamity in the country by President Rodrigo Duterte in the wake of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

Aguilar pointed out that under the state of calamity, it is mandated that no increase of prices of basic necessities in the retail market, adding that she will recommend the filing of charges against those to be found violating the price control law.

• Meanwhile, the mayor urged all Las Piñeros to continue obey the stay at home order as the country is under enhanced community quarantine in an effort to contain the spread of the dreaded COVID-19.

She likewise reminded everyone to strictly observe the 1-meter physical or social distancing, practice hand washing and appropriate hygiene, exercise, and cooperate with the local government in the implementation of health protocols.